‘Shocked’ by Hema committee report, FEFKA says deep-rooted patriarchal habits must be shed

Kochi: The Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) is shocked by the revelations in the Justice Hema Commission report that has exposed sexual exploitation and gender discrimination in the Malayalam film industry.

In a letter written by FEFKA Secretary General Unnikrishnan B to the Secretaries General of the affiliated associations, he stated that the union would support the government in all steps taken to reform the film industry.

“As a workplace, we have to travel extensively to ensure gender equality and women’s safety. Deep-rooted patriarchal habits and approaches need to be shed. While much has changed since the days when the Hema committee functioned, continuous course correction is needed,” the letter dated August 21 reads.

“Women often hesitate to complain to the union on sexual and work-related issues because of the fear and reticence within them. This is not a limitation of an individual. It is a construct of patriarchy that has been perpetuated in our workplace for decades. Today, the situation has changed to some extent. Women in the workplace have started speaking out,” the letter said. It was also stressed that the report should lead them to correct the situation.

FEFKA expressed serious concerns about the committee’s finding that members of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) were often denied opportunities. “This is a criticism that the union of directors, writers and production managers should investigate in detail.

The number of films that WCC members worked on from 2018 to 2024 should be included. If a director or writer wanted to work with a WCC member and was prevented from doing so simply because she is a member of the collective, this is a serious concern and action should be taken,” the letter said.

The union has demanded a clear investigation into the report’s allegation that a 15-member power group controls the Malayalam film industry. “It is unclear how such a power group functions. Associations in the industry function with different objectives. A power group of 15 controlling all these organisations is impractical,” the letter said.

FEFKA also criticised the Hema Commission report’s statement that an actor had founded the union, saying: “It is unclear whether the comment is a statement or a conclusion. Such a portrayal of the union that started in 2008 with 1,000 members and has grown to 8,000 members and 21 unions undermines the willpower and ability of the employees to take organisational positions.”
The union asked the secretaries of the affiliated associations to study the report and make notes on the relevant paragraphs.